“Remembering 2020” is about this Pandemic of course. I have tried to make a little more of a positive visual reflection on the struggles from such a painful year. I chose to put my figure in a flowy pantsuit that is an homage to the lovely Behida Dolić who designed this pantsuit during this pandemic. She is a clothing and hat designer in New York City, who is a breast cancer survivor and immune compromised and her shop had to close for a time during this pandemic. I also made the figure have grey hair to remember all of our elderly family and friends we are still trying to keep safe.

And if you look closely, The background turns into her mask. Her hands are also hidden from view to remember not to touch anyone and wash our hands. This painting is visually upbeat but only we, the ones who have gone through this awful crazy experience will know the meaning. And this meaning is shared across the world. Any other time in our life this composition wouldn’t mean nearly what it means to us now.

The last symbolism is the pattern. I chose to put lemons and olive branches. The lemons symbolizing the “when life gives you lemons” phrase, speaking to how much innovation and positivity has come out of slowing down, spending more time at home. The Olive branches can mean many things. Traditionally they symbolize as peace. I have felt peace that this pandemic will eventually end. And we can feel peace even when we are upset and anxious and frustrated. Peace doesn’t always mean we get what we want. Peace, to me, has always meant hope for the future.

"Remembering 2020" (Original Sketch)
pencil on handmade paper
5”x7”
Matted to an 8”x10”